Final answer:
Osteoporosis is characterized by the substantial loss of bone mass, leading to fragile and easily fractured bones. It is more common in post-menopausal women but can affect anyone, and prevention should begin early in life with proper diet and exercise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a significant loss of bone mass. This bone disease leads to decreased bone density and increased fragility, particularly in older adults. As bones age, they naturally lose calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and this process accelerates especially after peak bone mass is reached around the age of 30. Women tend to lose bone mass more quickly than men starting at about 50 years of age, which is often associated with menopause and a decrease in estrogen levels, a hormone crucial to bone health.
Factors contributing to the development and progression of osteoporosis include hormonal changes, certain diseases, medications, and lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise. Prevention of osteoporosis should ideally start in childhood with a diet high in calcium and vitamin D and regular weight-bearing exercise. These measures help maximize bone mass and reduce future risks of developing osteoporosis.